Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence made a return to the NFL Top 100 this week during the first group’s reveal.
As voted on by his fellow players, Lawrence is No. 99 overall heading into the 2023 season. He is sandwiched between Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (100) and Buccaneers right tackle Tristan Wirfs (98).
In 2022, Lawrence starred in every game for Dallas, despite coming off of a fractured foot in 2021 that caused him to miss all but seven games. In 17 games, he had 65 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
“Tank” last appeared in the NFL Top 100 in 2019. At that time, he was No. 45, coming off of a 10.5-sack season during which he also added 10 tackles for loss and an interception.
Lawrence was also on the elite list in 2018 following a 14.5 sack performance in 2017. He also posted four forced fumbles that year.
Not only a productive defender for Dallas, Tank has also developed into one of the most vocal members of the team. As his NFL Top 100 clip shows, he’s quick to lead the huddle and offer insights into his opponents’ weaknesses.
“He’s been one of the best ends in the league for a long time,” Eagles center Jason Kelce said in the NFL Films video. “He’s got a good blend of power and speed. To be a good defensive lineman in this league, you have to be able to threaten an offensive lineman with both of those. He’s got some standard moves that he’s really that good at.”
Lawrence receives 90 rating for Madden NFL 24
The NFL will continue unveiling the remainder of the top 100 over the next few days. Last year, the Cowboys had six players make the list. Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons made his debut following the 2021 season at No. 16 overall.
In EA Sports’ latest Madden NFL 24 ratings release, Lawrence was the No. 9-ranked edge rusher, earning a grade of 90 overall. Parsons, with a 97 overall, was the No. 3 edge rusher behind Nick Bosa and Myles Garrett.
A former second-round draft pick out of Boise State, Lawrence has been a valuable player for Dallas throughout his nine seasons in the league. The Cowboys extended his contract for three years at $40 million last March. To help the team clear roughly $8.9 million in cap space this offseason, Lawrence agreed to convert $13.3 million into a signing bonus.
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